James Kenneth "Kenny" Delahay, 72 of Leonardtown, MD died peacefully after a long battle with cancer on February 20, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Kenny was born on July 10, 1938 in his family home located in Compton, MD. He was the son of the late Joseph Richley Delahay and Marguerite Virginia (Moore) Delahay.

He came from a family of 10 children, and enjoyed working with his father on the farm and the boatyard. Growing up, he loved to build and race boats and spent many days on the water oystering. As a teenager, he played baseball and football at Saint Mary's Academy and at 17, he joined the National Guard. Kenny and his brother Ronnie went on to operate Delahay's Pile Driving Service and were charter members of the Saint Mary's County Waterman's Association. They continued to run Delahay's Boatyard after the death of their father and later opened Little Ronnie's Crab House, where many good times were had by all. Kenny loved to play in the local pool league and was elated to win several championships. He also loved to duck hunt.

In 1970, he married his love, Susann and 3 years later, they were blessed with a son, JK. In 1984, he became a charter member of the 3rd District Optimist Club, and was a very active participant for years to come. Kenny was always meticulous in his maintenance of his home, land and business and upon retirement, he took up work at Breton Bay Golf Course. In his later years, he thoroughly enjoyed traveling and going on cruises with his wife. He was a light in the lives of all who knew him and will be sorely missed by all.

Family will receive friends for Kenny's Life Celebration on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. and will be followed by prayers by the 3rd District Optimist Club. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 21370 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ronald C. Delahay, Jr., John R. Delahay, Terry L. Delahay, Brian Taylor, Al Faunce, Jr. and Charles Bassford, Jr. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the 3rd District Optimist Club.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650, ACTS, P.O. Box 54, Bushwood, MD 20618 or the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 299, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.